Football: IHSA eliminates full pads from summer practices

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois High School Associated officials voted to eliminate full pads from summer football practices.

The decision is a part of the revised version of by-law 3.157. It passed by a vote of 170-87 Tuesday.

“The vote reflects much of what we have heard from coaches on this issue,” IHSA Executive Director Marty Hickman said in a press release. “We had some individuals who opposed eliminating full contact from summer football activities, but the majority of the people we talked to said this change would not affect them.”

The Legislative Commission met in a special session March 18 where they approved an all-school ballot for IHSA schools between March 19 and April 21.

“We believe this revision minimizes risk to football student-athletes, while allowing for the teaching of appropriate fundamentals,” Hickman said. “This is another important step in making high school football as safe as possible, while putting all of our schools on an even playing field regarding football activities during the summer.”